U.S. patent number 10,159,923 [Application Number 15/007,668] was granted by the patent office on 2018-12-25 for hollow filter element, grip device of a hollow filter element, and filter device with at least one hollow filter element.
This patent grant is currently assigned to MANN+HUMMEL GmbH. The grantee listed for this patent is Mann+Hummel GMBH. Invention is credited to Michael Kaufmann, Klaus-Dieter Ruhland.
United States Patent |
10,159,923 |
Ruhland , et al. |
December 25, 2018 |
Hollow filter element, grip device of a hollow filter element, and
filter device with at least one hollow filter element
Abstract
A hollow filter element of a filter device for filtering air is
arranged exchangeably in a filter housing of the filter device so
that at least one air inlet of the filter housing for air to be
filtered is separated from at least one air outlet of the filter
housing for filtered air. The hollow filter element is provided
with at least one filter bellows made of at least one filter medium
surrounding at least one element interior circumferentially
relative to an element axis of the hollow filter element. At least
one grip device is arranged at an end face of the at least one
filter bellows that is not provided for passage of air in operation
of the hollow filter element. The hollow filter element can be
gripped by the at least one grip device at least for installation
into or removal from the filter housing.
Inventors: |
Ruhland; Klaus-Dieter
(Meckenheim, DE), Kaufmann; Michael (Meckenheim,
DE) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mann+Hummel GMBH |
Ludwigsburg |
N/A |
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
MANN+HUMMEL GmbH (Ludwigsburg,
DE)
|
Family
ID: |
56410038 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/007,668 |
Filed: |
January 27, 2016 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20160220935 A1 |
Aug 4, 2016 |
|
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
|
Jan 30, 2015 [DE] |
|
|
10 2015 001 100 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D
46/4227 (20130101); B01D 46/0005 (20130101); B01D
46/521 (20130101); B01D 46/2414 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B01D
46/00 (20060101); B01D 46/42 (20060101); B01D
46/24 (20060101); B01D 46/52 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Clemente; Robert
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Hasselbeck; James
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A hollow filter element of a filter device for filtering air,
wherein the hollow filter element is configured to be arranged
exchangeably in a filter housing of the filter device so that at
least one air inlet of the filter housing for air to be filtered is
separated from at least one air outlet of the filter housing for
filtered air; the hollow filter element comprising: at least one
filter bellows including at least one filter medium surrounding
circumferentially at least one element interior relative to an
element axis of the hollow filter element; a ring-shaped annular
end disk seal-tightly connected to filter medium at an axial end
face of the at least one filter bellows, the ring-shaped annular
end disk having a central through-opening; a grip device,
comprising: a holding cup comprising: a recessed cup section
comprising: a ring-shaped tubular circumferential wall arranged in
the central through-opening of the ring-shaped annular end disk,
the ring-shaped circumferential wall projecting axially into the
element interior in a radial interior of the filter medium; a
bottom wall arranged on and closing a first axial end of the
ring-shaped tubular circumferential wall, the bottom wall arranged
in the element interior within the radial interior of the filter
medium; a fastening member formed on a second axial end of the
ring-shaped tubular circumferential wall, the fastening member
projecting radially outwardly away from the ring-shaped tubular
circumferential wall; wherein the fastening member is embedded into
material forming the ring-shaped annular end disk, securing the
grip device to the ring-shaped annular end disk; a hand grip
rotatably fastened to an interior of the holding cup, the hand grip
adjustable: from a rest position where the hand grip is arranged
within the interior of the holding cup; to a grip position where
the hand grip is rotated axially outwardly away from the
disc-shaped bottom wall such that the hollow filter element can be
gripped by the hand grip at least for installation into or removal
from the filter housing.
2. The hollow filter element according to claim 1, wherein at least
a part of the grip device closes off the element interior.
3. The hollow filter element according to claim 1, wherein the grip
device comprises at least one releasable locking device arranged on
the ring-shaped tubular circumferential wall or the bottom wall of
the grip device, the at least one releasable locking device
releasably locking the hand grip in the rest position in the
interior of the holding cup.
4. The hollow filter element according to claim 3, wherein the hand
grip comprises: a grip section configured to be gripped by a hand;
at least one holding leg having a first end secured to and
projecting outwardly from the grip section; a locking nose formed
on a second end of the at least one holding leg; wherein the
locking nose has a slanted guiding surface; wherein the holding cup
comprises: at least one holding member arranged on ring-shaped
tubular circumferential wall or the bottom wall of the holding cup,
the at least one holding member rotatable fastening the hand grip
to the holding cup; wherein the at least one holding member has a
locking receptacle receiving the locking nose for rotatably
mounting the hand grip.
5. The hollow filter element according to claim 4, wherein the
locking nose of the least one holding leg has a slanted guiding
surface which contacts the at least one holding member during
installation of the hand grip, the slanted guiding surface enabling
a quick connection of the hand grip into the locking receptacle of
the at least one holding member.
6. The hollow filter element according to claim 1, wherein in the
rest position, the hand grip is arranged within and recessed within
the interior of the holding cup.
7. The hollow filter element according to claim 1, wherein the hand
grip comprises at least one grip connecting element, wherein at
least one corresponding connecting element is arranged on the
ring-shaped tubular circumferential wall or on the bottom wall of
the holding cup wherein the at least one grip connecting element
and the at least one corresponding connecting element are moveably
connected to each other and form a releasable quick-connect
device.
8. The hollow filter element according to claim 7, wherein the at
least one grip connecting element is a locking projection or a
locking receptacle and wherein the at least one corresponding
connecting element is a locking receptacle matching the locking
projection of the at least one grip element or a locking projection
matching the locking receptacle of the at least one grip
element.
9. The hollow filter element according to claim 7, wherein the
releasable quick-connect device is a locking connection; a snap-on
connection; a clamping connection; or a plug connection.
10. The hollow filter element according to claim 1, wherein the
fastening member of the holding cup is a fastening ring
circumferentially surrounding the ring-shaped tubular
circumferential wall of the holding cup; wherein the fastening
member includes a plurality of radially extending ribs, the ribs
spaced circumferentially apart to receive material of the
ring-shaped annular end disk there between.
11. A filter device for filtration of air, the filter device
comprising: a filter housing including at least one air inlet for
air to be filtered and at least one air outlet for filtered air; at
least one hollow filter element according to claim 1 exchangeably
arranged in the filter housing such that the at least one hollow
filter element separates the at least one air inlet from the at
least one air outlet.
12. A grip device of a hollow filter element of a filter device for
filtering air, wherein the hollow filter element is configured to
be arranged exchangeably in a filter housing of the filter device
so that at least one air inlet of the filter housing for air to be
filtered is separated from at least one air outlet of the filter
housing for filtered air, wherein the hollow filter element
includes at least one filter bellows comprising at least one filter
medium surrounding circumferentially at least one element interior
relative to an element axis of the hollow filter element, wherein
the grip device is configured such that the hollow filter element
can be gripped by the grip device at least for installation of the
hollow filter element into or removal of the hollow filter element
from the filter housing, wherein the grip device is configured to
be arranged at an end face of the at least one filter bellows that
is not provided for passage of air in operation of the hollow
filter element, wherein the grip device, comprises: a holding cup
comprising: a recessed cup section comprising: a ring-shaped
tubular circumferential wall; a bottom wall arranged on and closing
a first axial end of the ring-shaped tubular circumferential wall;
a fastening member formed on a second axial end of the ring-shaped
tubular circumferential wall, the fastening member projecting
radially outwardly away from the ring-shaped tubular
circumferential wall, wherein the fastening member is configured to
be embedded into material forming a ring-shaped annular end disk of
the hollow filter element; a hand grip rotatably fastened to an
interior of the holding cup, the hand grip adjustable: from a rest
position where the hand grip is arranged within the interior of the
holding cup; to a grip position where the hand grip is rotated
axially outwardly away from the disc-shaped bottom wall such that
the hollow filter element can be gripped by the hand grip at least
for installation into or removal from the filter housing.
13. The grip device according to claim 12, wherein the fastening
member of the holding cup is fastening ring circumferentially
surrounding the ring-shaped tubular circumferential wall of the
holding cup; wherein the fastening member includes a plurality of
radially extending ribs, the ribs spaced circumferentially apart to
receive material of the ring-shaped annular end disk there between.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
EP 1 769 835 B1 discloses a filter element with an outer sleeve
that is made of a flexible permeable material and includes an open
top end and a bottom end. An inner sleeve that is arranged
substantially concentric relative to the outer sleeve includes a
closed top end and a bottom end. The inner sleeve is made of a
flexible permeable material. The top end of the inner sleeve is
separate from the top end of the outer sleeve. Attachment means are
provided for attachment of the bottom end of the inner sleeve to
the bottom end of the outer sleeve. Removal means are provided for
carrying out the removal of the filter element from an associated
filter housing. The removal means include at least one handle that
is attached to the inner sleeve but not directly to the outer
sleeve. A sealing collar includes two handles. The sealing collar
is attached to the outer sleeve but not directly to the inner
sleeve.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This object is solved according to the invention in that the at
least one grip device is arranged on an end face of the hollow
filter element that is not provided for passage of air in operation
of the hollow filter element.
The invention has the object to design a hollow filter element, a
grip device, and a filter device of the aforementioned kind in such
a way that the grip device is arranged in a way as space-saving as
possible on the hollow filter element without it negatively
affecting an airflow with respect to the functionality of the
hollow filter element in operation of the filter device.
The invention concerns a hollow filter element of a filter device
for filtration of air, in particular of an internal combustion
engine, in particular of a motor vehicle and/or of a construction
and/or agricultural machine, including at least one filter bellows
which includes at least one filter medium that surrounds at least
one element interior circumferentially relative to an element axis
and that is connected, in particular seal-tightly, at least at one
end face with at least one end member, wherein the hollow filter
element can be arranged, in particular exchangeably, in a filter
housing of the filter device such that it separates at least one
air inlet of the filter housing for air to be filtered from at
least one air outlet for filtered air, wherein on at least one end
face of the at least one filter bellows at least one grip device is
arranged by which the hollow filter element can be gripped at least
for installation into or removal from the filter housing.
Moreover, the invention concerns a grip device of a hollow filter
element, in particular of a hollow filter element according to the
invention, of a filter device for filtration of air, in particular
of an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle
and/or of a construction and/or agricultural machine, which can be
arranged on at least one end face of a filter bellows of the hollow
filter element and by which the hollow filter element can be
gripped at least for installation into or removal from a filter
housing, wherein the filter bellows includes at least one filter
medium that surrounds at least one element interior
circumferentially relative to an element axis, and the filter
bellows is connected, in particular seal-tightly, at least at one
end face with at least one end member, and wherein the hollow
filter element can be arranged, in particular exchangeably, in a
filter housing of the filter device in such a way that it separates
at least one air inlet of the filter housing for air to be filtered
from at least one air outlet for filtered air.
Moreover, the invention concerns a filter device with at least one
hollow filter element for filtration of air, in particular of an
internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle and/or
of a construction and/or agricultural machine, wherein the at least
one hollow filter element includes at least one filter bellows
which includes at least one filter medium that surrounds at least
one element interior circumferentially relative to an element axis,
and the filter bellows is connected, in particular seal-tightly, at
least at one end face with at least one end member, wherein the at
least one hollow filter element is arranged, in particular
exchangeably, in a filter housing of the filter device in such a
way that it separates at least one air inlet of the filter housing
for air to be filtered from at least one air outlet for filtered
air, wherein on at least one end face of the at least one filter
bellows at least one grip device is arranged by which the hollow
filter element can be gripped at least for installation into or
removal from the filter housing. According to the invention, the at
least one grip device is arranged in an area that is not flowed
through by air in operation or is arranged in such a way on the
hollow filter element that, for improving the functionality, it
positively affects volitionally, preferably prevents, passage of
air at the corresponding end face. In this way, the at least one
grip device has at least no negative effect with respect to the
airflow in the context of functionality of the hollow filter
element.
The at least one grip device can be arranged outside of the airflow
such that it does not affect the desired airflow, in particular
does not disturb it. Alternatively, the at least one grip device
can be arranged such that it volitionally guides, limits or
prevents the airflow and thereby even positively affects the
airflow in the context of the functionality of the hollow filter
element.
Advantageously, the element interior can be at least partially
closed at the end face where the at least one grip device is
arranged.
At the end face, the at least one grip device can moreover be
arranged in a space-saving way. At the end face, the hollow filter
element can be gripped by means of the at least one grip device
easily by hand and/or by means of a gripping tool. The hollow
filter element can be gripped by means of the at least one grip
device, in particular can be inserted axially relative to the
element axis into the filter housing and can be pulled out of it.
Moreover, the hollow filter element can be carried easily by means
of the grip device. In this way, in particular heavy and/or large
hollow filter elements can be manipulated or handled more
easily.
Advantageously, at least partially, the at least one grip device
can include, or be made of, plastic material and/or metal and/or
another type of material, in particular a carbon fiber compound.
Plastic material can be shaped easily, in particular injection
molded or cast. Metal can be configured easily, in particular be
rolled, stamped, cut, folded, crimped and/or bent. The at least one
grip device can also include a material mixture, in particular a
combination of metal and plastic material.
Advantageously, the at least one grip device can be at least
partially rigid, in particular non-flexible. In this way,
mechanical forces can be transmitted better. Alternatively or
additionally, the at least one grip device can be at least
partially flexible, in particular elastic. In this way, tolerances
can be compensated better and/or operationally caused vibrations
can be compensated. Also, in this way a grip device including
several components can be assembled more easily.
A hollow filter element is characterized in that it includes at
least one element interior which is surrounded by a filter bellows
with filter medium. The filter medium can be flowed through by the
air to be purified from the exterior to the interior toward the
element interior or in opposite direction. The element interior
includes an air aperture to the exterior through which, depending
on the flow direction, the purified air can exit from the element
interior or the air to be purified can flow into it.
The hollow filter element can be advantageously a round filter
element with a round cross-section; an oval round filter element
with an oval cross-section; a flat oval round filter element with a
flattened oval cross-section; a conical round filter element having
a round cross-section that tapers in axial direction relative to a
major axis; a conical oval round filter element having an oval
cross-section that tapers in axial direction at least in the
direction of a transverse axis; a conical flat oval round filter
element having a flat oval cross-section that tapers in axial
direction at least in the direction of a transverse axis; or a
hollow filter element with a different, in particular an angular,
cross-section and/or a different axial cross-section course in the
direction of the element axis.
With the at least one grip device, even larger hollow filter
elements with diameters of up to 40 cm and more can be gripped and
handled easily and reliably. Such hollow filter elements can have a
mass of up to 30 kg and more when laden with dirt.
The filter medium can advantageously be closed or open in
circumferential direction relative to the element axis. The filter
element can be in particular folded or bent in a star shape,
preferably zigzag-shaped or wave-shape. However, the filter medium
can also be not folded or not bent.
The filter medium can be filter paper, filter nonwoven, filter foam
or a different type of filter medium that is suitable for
filtration of air, or a combination of various filter media. The
filter medium can be a single layer or a multi-layer configuration.
The filter medium can be embodied as the filter bellows.
The filter device, in particular the hollow filter element, can
advantageously be part of an air intake manifold of an internal
combustion engine. The filter device, in particular the hollow
filter element, can serve for purifying combustion air which is
supplied to the internal combustion engine for combustion. The
invention is however not limited to an air filter of an air intake
manifold of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle.
Rather, it can also be used in connection with other types of air
systems of motor vehicles. The filter device can also be used
outside of the automotive technology, in particular in industrial
motors. A filter device according to the invention, in particular a
hollow filter element according to the invention, can also be used
in commercial vehicles, in particular buses, tractors, trucks or
excavators, or agricultural/construction machines or the like.
In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one grip device can be
at least connected with at least one end member at the
corresponding end face of the hollow filter element. In this way,
the at least one grip device can be combined in a space-saving way
with the at least one end member.
By means of the at least one end member, the at least one grip
device can be attached stably on the at least one filter bellows.
In this way, a mechanical load on the filter bellows when gripping
the hollow filter element can be reduced.
The at least one grip device can be detachably connected or
destructively detachably connected to the at least one end
member.
The at least one end member can advantageously be realized as a
so-called end disk. End disks have a minimal axial expansion in
relation to their radial expansion relative to the element
axis.
The at least one end member can be connected seal-tightly, in
particular air-tightly, with the filter bellows, in particular the
filter medium.
Advantageously, the at least one end member can include plastic
material, in particular polyurethane, or can consist of it. In this
way, it can be produced and/or connected with the filter bellows,
in particular the filter medium, in a simple way. The at least one
end member can thus be connected also in a simple way with the at
least one grip device.
Advantageously, the at least one end member can be at least
partially elastic. In this way, it can compensate possible
component-related and/or operation-related tolerances, in
particular positional tolerances. Also, it can contribute in this
way to damping particularly operation-caused vibrations and
noises.
Advantageously, the functions of the at least one grip device and
of the at least one end member can be individually optimized,
respectively. Accordingly, the at least one grip device can be
designed to be appropriately stable so that a good force
transmission onto the filter bellows is possible. The at least one
end member can be optimized in regard to the sealing action of the
filter medium at the end face and/or to a tolerance compensation.
Accordingly, the at least one end member can have at least one
sealing function, in particular at least a sealing section, and/or
at least one support element for sealing and/or supporting in
particular relative to the filter housing.
The at least one end member and/or the at least one grip device can
be connected, indirectly or directly, with the at least one filter
bellows by means of an appropriate material-fusion and/or form-fit
and/or frictional connection, in particular a positive fit
connection, a plug connection, an adhesive connection, a weld
connection, a soldered connection, a clamping connection, a locking
connection, a rotary plug connection, in particular a screw
connection and/or a bayonet-type connection, or the like or a
combination of several connecting types. The materials and/or
structures of the at least one end member and/or of the at least
one grip device, on the one hand, and of the at least one filter
bellows, on the other hand, can also mutually penetrate each other
for providing a connection.
Advantageously, a fastening section of the at least one grip
device, in particular by means of a rib structure, can project
relative to the element axis at least radially into the at least
one end member. In this way, a force transmission between the at
least one grip device and the at least one end member can be
improved.
Advantageously, the hollow filter element can be supported by means
of the at least one end member on the filter housing.
The at least one grip device can advantageously be connected with
the at least one end member such that it itself does not contact
the filter housing, in particular does not support itself thereat.
Alternatively or additionally, the at least one grip device can be
supported at least partially on the filter housing.
Advantageously, the at least one filter bellows and/or possibly the
at least one end member can project past the at least one grip
device at least in its rest position, possibly the rest position of
a grip element, in outward direction, i.e., toward the filter
housing. The rest position can be assumed or adjusted particularly
when the hollow filter element is arranged, ready for operation, in
the filter housing and when the hollow filter element is in
particular to be stored or packaged.
On the other hand, in a gripping position of the at least one grip
device, the hollow filter element can be gripped by means of the at
least one grip device for transport and for installation or
removal. In the gripping position, at least one part of the at
least one grip device, in particular a grip element, can project at
least partially past the at least one filter bellows and/or
possibly past the at least one end member. In this way, the at
least one grip device can be more easily gripped. Alternatively,
the at least one filter bellows and/or possibly the at least one
end member can project past the at least one grip device.
Advantageously, the at least one grip device is connected or can be
connected in a single-piece or in a multi-piece configuration with
a central tube or support tube of the hollow filter element, at
least for the purpose of producing the hollow filter element. The
at least one grip device can be detachably connected or
destructively detachably connected with the central tube or the
support tube. The central tube or the support member can
advantageously be extending in the element interior. It can be
arranged advantageously coaxial to the element axis. It can be
extending advantageously between the end faces, possibly between
the end members provided thereat, of the hollow filter element.
Advantageously, at least one support element that provides a
supporting action in particular axially relative to the element
axis, in particular a support web, can be arranged at the at least
one filter bellows, in particular the at least one end member.
Relative to the element axis, at least one support element can be
arranged radially outside of the at least one grip device. In the
installed state, the hollow filter element can be supported on the
filter housing by means of the at least one support element.
Advantageously, several support elements can be distributed
circumferentially relative to the element axis. In this way, a more
uniform support action can be provided.
Advantageously, at least one support element can be at least
partially elastic. In this way, tolerances, in particular
positional tolerances and/or installation space tolerances and/or
operation-caused tolerances, in particular between the hollow
filter element and the filter housing, can be compensated better.
Moreover, in this way operation-caused noises and/or vibrations can
be dampened and compensated better.
Advantageously, at least one support element can be connected in a
single-piece or multi-piece configuration with the at least one end
member.
In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one part of the at
least one grip device and/or at least one part of at least one end
member can close off at least partially the element interior at the
end face. In this way, the components that are present in any case
can be used at least partially for closing off the element interior
at the end face. A component expenditure and/or mounting
expenditure can thus be reduced.
Advantageously, the at least one grip device alone or together with
the at least one end member, or the at least one end member alone,
can at least partially close off the element interior.
At least one part of the at least one grip device and at least one
part of the at least one end member can supplement each other
advantageously for closing off the element interior.
Advantageously, the at least one end member and/or the at least one
grip device can stabilize the filter bellows at the end face.
Advantageously, the at least one end member can extend at least
across the filter medium at the end face of the filter bellows. In
this way, the at least one end member can be connected at the end
face areally with the filter medium, in particular seal-tightly.
Accordingly, the connection, in particular its mechanical
stability, can be improved.
Advantageously, at least one part of the at least one grip device
and/or at least one part of the at least one end member can extend
at least across the element interior at the end face. In this way,
the concerned part of the at least one grip device and/or of the at
least one end member can at least partially close off the element
interior at the end face.
Advantageously, the at least one grip device can extend at least
across a portion of the filter bellows. In this way, a connection
between the at least one grip device and the filter bellows and
thus a force introduction from the at least one grip device into
the filter bellows can be improved.
The at least one grip device and the at least one end member can
overlap each other at least partially. In this way, a connection
between the at least one grip device and the at least one end
member can be improved.
Advantageously, the at least one end member can be realized in a
material-saving way as an annular member. A central opening of the
annular member can leave open the element interior in outward
direction at the appropriate end face of the hollow filter element.
The opening of the annular member can advantageously be closed off
with an appropriate section, in particular cup section, of the at
least one grip device. The at least one grip device and the at
least one end member can supplement each other in this way and
together close off the element interior at the corresponding end
face of the hollow filter element.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one grip device
can include at least one grip element, in particular a handgrip,
that is adjustable, in particular pivotable or foldable, relative
to the at least one filter bellows and/or possibly relative to the
at least one end member. In this way, the at least one grip element
can be moved from the gripping position, in which it can be gripped
for handling the hollow filter element, into a rest position. In
the rest position, the grip element can thus be arranged easily in
a space-saving way.
Advantageously, the at least one grip element can be pivotable or
foldable. Accordingly, it can be simply pivoted or folded for
changing the position.
Advantageously, the at least one grip element may include at least
one handgrip. A hand grip can be easily gripped in particular by
hand and/or by a gripping tool.
The handgrip can advantageously include at least one, preferably
two, holding legs with which it is connected, indirectly or
directly, with the filter bellows and/or possibly the at least one
end member so as to be pivotable or foldable.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one grip device
can include at least one fixation element, in particular at least
one fixation hook, for fixation of at least one adjustable grip
element at least in a gripping position and/or a rest position.
With the at least one fixation element the grip element can be
secured in the corresponding position. In this way, it can be
prevented that the at least one grip element is displaced in an
uncontrolled fashion.
Advantageously, the at least one fixation element can be
releasable. In this way, the at least one grip element can be moved
easily out of the corresponding position or can be positioned into
it. With the at least one fixation element, a fixation force can be
realized which must be overcome for adjustment of the at least one
grip element.
Advantageously, at least one fixation element can include at least
one fixation hook. With the fixation hook, the at least one grip
element can be hooked and/or locked in particular in a releasable
way.
Advantageously, at least one fixation element can be positionally
fixed relative to the at least one filter bellows and/or possibly
the at least one end member. At least one fixation element can be
interacting for fixation in the appropriate position with at least
one appropriate locking receptacle, possibly a handgrip, provided
on the at least one grip element, in particular can be hooked or
locked.
Alternatively or additionally, at least one appropriate fixation
element can be arranged on at least one grip element that can be
hooked or locked with an appropriate locking receptacle associated
with the at least one filter bellows and/or possibly the at least
one end member.
In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one part of the at
least one grip device, for example, the grip element, can be
retracted at least in a rest position at least partially into the
element interior and/or possibly within at least one end member. In
this way, the outer dimension of the hollow filter element, at
least in the rest position of the at least one grip device, can be
reduced. Accordingly, the element interior and/or possibly the at
least one end member can be utilized in order to at least partially
accommodate the at least one grip device. It is especially
preferred that the part of the at least one grip device in a rest
position is completely retracted within the element interior and/or
within the at least one end member. In this context, the retracted
part of the grip device, for example, the grip element, and
preferably the entire grip device in the retracted state does not
project past the axial end face of the end member (e.g. of an end
disk).
In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one grip device
can include at least one holding member, in particular a holding
cup, with which at least one grip element can be adjustably
connected. The at least one grip device can be indirectly or
directly secured on the at least one filter bellows and/or possibly
on the at least one end member by means of the at least one holding
member.
The at least one holding member can be designed such that it
realizes a connection, as areal as possible, with the at least one
filter bellows indirectly or directly, possibly by means of an end
member. In this way, a more stable connection and a more uniform
force transmission can be achieved.
Advantageously, the at least one holding member can be encompassed
of a holding cup. At least one grip element can be retracted in its
rest position in a space-saving way and in particular completely in
an appropriate recess of the holding cup.
The at least one grip device, in particular the at least one
holding cup, in particular its recess, can advantageously project
at least partially into the element interior. In this way, the
outer dimension, in particular the axial expansion, of the hollow
filter element can be reduced.
The at least one holding member can advantageously be
pre-manufactured together with the at least one grip element. In
this way, the at least one grip device can be connected as a
pre-mounted component with the at least one filter bellows and/or
possibly the at least one end member. The at least one grip device
can be realized as grip module. Depending on the utilization
purpose, in particular depending on dimensions, in particular shape
and/or size, of the hollow filter element, different holding
members can be combined as needed with different grip elements.
Advantageously, the at least one holding member and the at least
one grip element can be separate parts. They can be also realized
as a contiguous, in particular integrated, component.
The at least one grip element and the at least one holding member
can be made of the same or of different materials or material
mixtures or can include them.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one grip element
can include at least one grip connecting element, in particular a
locking projection and/or a locking receptacle, of an in particular
detachable quick-connect device, in particular a locking
connection, snap-on connection, clamping connection and/or plug
connection, that can be connected, in particular movably, with at
least one appropriate connecting element, in particular a holding
member connecting element, in particular a locking receptacle
and/or a locking projection that can be arranged on the at least
one filter bellows and/or possibly on at least one end member
and/or possibly on at least one holding member. With a
quick-connect device, the at least one grip element can be simply
and stably connected with the at least one filter bellows and/or
possibly the at least one end member and/or possibly the at least
one holding member.
Advantageously, the quick-connect device can be released in a
non-destructive way. In this way, the at least one grip element can
be removed, if needed.
Advantageously, the at least one filter bellows and/or possibly the
at least one end member and/or possibly the at least one holding
member can include at least one holding tab which includes the at
least one holding member connecting element.
Advantageously, at least two holding tabs can be provided between
which the at least one grip element, in particular a handgrip, in
particular at least one holding leg of the handgrip, can be
movably, in particular pivotably, secured, in particular
clamped.
In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one connection, in
particular a quick-connect device, between at least one grip
element of the at least one grip device and the at least one filter
bellows and/or possibly at least one end member and/or possibly at
least one holding member of the at least one grip device can
include at least one mounting aid, in particular at least one guide
surface and/or at least one guide element, for guiding at least one
connecting element of one of the components to be connected, in
particular a grip connecting element of the at least one grip
element, for connection with an appropriate connecting element, in
particular a holding member connecting element, of the appropriate
other component, in particular associated with the at least one
filter bellows and/or possibly the at least one end member and/or
possibly the at least one holding member. By means of the at least
one mounting aid, the at least one connecting element associated
with the grip element and the at least one connecting element
associated with the filter bellows and/or possibly the end member
and/or possibly the holding member can be joined in a simpler and
more precise way.
Advantageously, at least one guide surface, in particular a guide
ramp and/or guide groove and/or slope can be provided that is
associated with at least one connecting element, in particular
associated with at least one holding tab, in particular associated
with the filter bellows and/or possibly the at least one end member
and/or possibly the at least one holding member. The at least one
guide surface can advantageously extend to the at least one
appropriate connecting element, in particular at least one holding
member connecting element, in particular a locking receptacle.
Advantageously, at least one connecting element, in particular a
locking projection, can be slanted downwardly like a wedge on a
side which is facing the appropriate other connecting element
during assembly, in particular a locking receptacle. In this way,
the connecting elements can better glide across each other and be
guided toward each other.
Advantageously, at least one of the components to be connected,
possibly the at least one holding member, in particular possibly at
least one holding tab of the at least one holding member, and/or
the at least one grip element, can include at least one guide
groove for guiding at least one locking element, in particular a
locking projection, of the appropriate other component to be
connected, in particular of at least one grip element and/or
holding member.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one grip device,
in particular a holding member of the grip device, can be
integrated, in particular embedded, at least partially in the at
least one end member and/or at least partially can be formed by the
at least one end member, or vice versa. In this way, a stable
and/or space-saving connection between the at least one grip device
and the at least one end member can be realized.
Advantageously, at least one grip device, possibly at least one
holding member of the grip device, can be embedded at least
partially by foaming, by casting, or injection molding into the
material of the at least one end member.
Advantageously, the at least one holding member can be embedded by
foaming in polyurethane for realizing the at least one end
member.
Advantageously, the at least one grip device, possibly the at least
one holding member, can include a rib structure. When
injection-molded, embedded, cast or embedded by foaming, the
material of the at least one end member can better penetrate the
rib structure and in this way can improve the connection to the at
least one grip device.
The at least one grip device can be connected also in a different
way, in particular by friction and/or form fit and/or material
fusion, with the at least one end member.
Advantageously, the at least one end member can at least partially
form the at least one grip device, possibly the holding member.
Alternatively, the at least one grip device can at least partially
form at least one end member.
The technical object is further solved for the grip device in
accordance with the invention in that the grip device can be
arranged at an end face of the hollow filter element that is not
provided for passage of air in operation of the hollow filter
element.
The technical object is further solved for the filter device
according to the invention in that the at least one grip device is
arranged on an end face of the hollow filter element that is not
provided for passage of air in operation of the hollow filter
element.
In other respects, the features and advantages that have been
disclosed in connection with the hollow filter element according to
the invention, the grip device according to the invention, and the
filter device according to the invention and their respective
advantageous embodiments apply likewise among each other and vice
versa. The individual features and advantages can, of course, be
combined with each other wherein further advantageous effects may
result that exceed the sum of the individual effects.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further advantages, features, and details of the invention result
from the following description in which an embodiment of the
invention will be explained in more detail with the aid of the
drawing. A person of skill in the art will consider the features
disclosed in the drawing, the description, and the claims in
combination also individually and combine them to other meaningful
combinations.
FIG. 1 shows an isometric illustration of an air filter of an
internal combustion engine of a construction vehicle, including a
filter housing in which a round filter element is arranged which
includes a grip device for transport and installation and
removal.
FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section view of the air filter of FIG.
1 along an element axis of the round filter element.
FIG. 3 shows the air filter of FIGS. 1 and 2 without housing cover,
wherein a handgrip of the grip device is illustrated in its
folded-in rest position.
FIG. 4 shows the open air filter of FIG. 3 with handgrip folded
out.
FIG. 5 shows the open air filter of FIG. 4 in another perspective
view.
FIG. 6 is an isometric detail illustration of the round filter
element of the air filter of the FIGS. 1 through 5 with handgrip
folded out.
FIG. 7 shows the round filter element of FIG. 6 with handgrip
folded in.
FIG. 8 is a detail view of the grip device of the round filter
element of FIGS. 1 to 7 with handgrip folded out.
FIG. 9 shows the grip device of FIG. 8 with handgrip folded in.
FIG. 10 shows a holding cup of the grip device of FIGS. 8 and 9
without handgrip.
FIG. 11 shows the handgrip of the grip device of FIGS. 8 and 9
without holding cup.
In the Figures, same components are provided with same reference
characters.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In FIG. 1, an air filter 10 of an internal combustion engine of a
commercial machine, for example, a construction vehicle, is shown
in isometric illustration. FIG. 2 shows the air filter 10 in a
longitudinal section view. The air filter 10 is arranged in an
intake manifold of the internal combustion engine and serves for
purification of the air required for combustion.
The air filter 10 includes a filter housing 12. The filter housing
12 is made of a housing cup 14 and a housing cover 16 and is
openable. The housing cover 16 closes off an installation opening
18 of the filter housing 12 for installation of a filter element
20. The installation opening 18 is, for example, easily visible in
FIGS. 3 to 5. Here, the air filter 10 is illustrated without
housing cover 16.
The air filter 10 as a whole is coaxial to an axis 22 which is
indicated in FIGS. 1, 2, 8, and 9. When in the following "axial",
"coaxial", "radial", "circumferential" or the like is mentioned,
this relates to the axis 22, if nothing to the contrary is
mentioned. In the present embodiment, the axis 22 coincides with a
housing axis of the filter housing 12, an element axis of the
filter element 20, and an installation axis. For ease of
understanding, the afore mentioned axes in the following are
referred to for short as axis 22. Axial to the installation axis,
i.e., axis 22, the filter element 20 can be installed in the
housing cup 14 and removed therefrom. Axial to the installation
axis, the housing cover 16 can be mounted on the installation
opening 18 of the housing cup 14. The installation opening 18 is
coaxial to the axis 22. As a whole, the filter housing 12 is
approximately of a circular cylindrical coaxial shape.
At the end face which is axially opposite the installation opening
18, the housing cup 14 has a coaxial air outlet 24 for purified
air. Near the air outlet-associated end face, an air inlet 26 for
air to be purified extends into the housing cup 14 on its
circumferential side. The filter element 20 is arranged in the
filter housing 12 such that it separates the air inlet 26 from the
air outlet 24.
The housing cover 16 is detachably connected by clamps, not of
interest in this context, with the housing cup 14 and closes off
the installation opening 18 in a seal-tight manner.
The filter element 20 is designed as a so-called round filter
element. In the illustrated embodiment, an outer diameter of the
filter element 20 amounts to approximately 40 cm, for example. In
other embodiments according to the invention, the outer diameter
can also be significantly smaller or greater. The filter element 20
includes a coaxial filter bellows 28 of a zigzag-shaped folded
circumferentially closed filter medium 30, for example, filter
paper. The filter bellows 28 is approximately circular cylindrical.
The filter medium 30 surrounds a coaxial element interior 32
circumferentially. The radial diameter of the element interior 32
is somewhat larger than the diameter of the air outlet 24.
At its end face which is facing the air outlet 24, the filter
bellows 28 is seal-tightly connected to a coaxial ring-shaped
outlet-associated end disk 34. At the opposite end face, which with
installed filter element 20 is facing the housing cover 16, the
filter bellows 28 is seal-tightly connected with a coaxial
ring-shaped cover-associated end disk 36.
The end disks 34 and 36 include in the area of the end
face-associated ends of the element interior 32 a coaxial opening,
respectively. The end disks 34 and 36 each are made of polyurethane
foam seal-tightly foamed onto the end faces of the filter bellows
28.
The outlet-associated end disk 34 includes at its exterior side
which is facing the air outlet 24 a coaxial ring-shaped
circumferentially continuous sealing section 38. The sealing
section 38 circumferentially surrounds the coaxial opening of the
outlet-associated end disk 34 and, in the installed state, the air
outlet 24. The sealing section 38 seals relative to the bottom of
the housing cup 14. The sealing section 38 separates a raw air side
surrounding the filter element 20 which is connected with the air
inlet 26 from a clean air side associated with the element interior
32 and with the air outlet 24.
The cover-associated end disk 36 includes on its exterior side
which is facing axially away from the element interior 32 a
plurality of web-shaped support sections 40 which can be easily
seen in FIGS. 3 to 7, for example. The support sections 40 are
located in the area of the radial inner circumferential side of the
cover-associated end disk 36 and respectively extend each in
circumferential direction and in axial direction away from the
element interior 32. With the support sections 40, the filter
element 20 is supported in axial direction against the inner side
of the housing cover 16.
The end disks 34 and 36, inclusive the sealing section 38 and the
support sections 40, are elastic.
Between the end disks 34 and 36, a coaxial support tube 42 is
extending in the element interior 32. The circumferential wall of
the support tube 42 is lattice-shaped and permeable for air. The
end faces of the support tube 42 are open. The radial inner
circumferential side of the filter bellows 28, i.e., radial inner
fold edges of the filter medium 30, can be supported on the radial
outer circumferential side of the support tube 42. The ends of the
support tube 42 are embedded in the polyurethane of the associated
end disk 34 and 36, respectively.
The filter element 20 includes a grip device 44 on its
cover-associated end face. The filter element 20 can be gripped and
handled by means of the grip device 44 by hand and/or by a gripping
tool for installation, removal, and transport. The grip device 44
is illustrated in detail in the FIGS. 8 to 11.
The grip device 44 includes a handgrip 46 that is attached
pivotably on a holding cup 48. The holding cup 48 and the handgrip
46 are made of plastic material, respectively.
The handgrip 46 can be pivoted for gripping into a gripping
position, as it is shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 and 8. In the gripping
position, the handgrip 46 projects past the cover-associated end
disk 36 in axial direction. From the gripping position, the
handgrip 46 can be pivoted into a rest position that is illustrated
in FIGS. 2, 3, 7, and 9.
The holding cup 48 is illustrated in detail in FIG. 10. It is
configured as a whole approximately coaxial to the axis 22. It
includes radial outwardly a coaxial annular fastening section 50.
The fastening section 50 extends circumferentially and
approximately radially. The fastening section 50 is of a rib-like
design. The fastening section 50, as illustrated in FIG. 2, is
embedded in the cover-associated end disk 36. Its ribs are
penetrated by the polyurethane of the cover-associated end disk 36.
The holding cup 48 and thus the grip device 44 are thus connected
fixedly with the cover-associated end disk 36
Radially inwardly, the fastening section 50 passes into an
approximately cup-shaped cup section 52 having an axially extending
ring-shaped tubular circumferential wall 55 closed on an axial end
by a bottom wall 53. The bottom 53 of the cup section 52, as shown
in FIGS. 2 and 10, for example, is facing the element interior 32.
The cup section 52 projects in axial direction through the
cover-associated end disk 36 somewhat into the element interior 32.
On the exterior side which is axially facing away from the element
interior 32, the holding cup 48 is flush with the axial exterior
side of the cover-associated end disk 36. The cup section 52 closes
off the end face-associated coaxial opening of the filter bellows
28 so that the filter element 20 is closed at the cover-associated
end face of the element interior 32.
In the interior of the cup section 52, on the exterior side which
is axially facing away from the element interior 32, the two
holding tabs 54 for holding the handgrip 46 are arranged. The
holding tabs 54 are connected monolithically with the bottom and
the circumferential wall of the cup section 52. The holding tabs 54
each extend axially away from the bottom of the cup section 52.
They are located on radial opposite sides of the cup section
52.
Each holding tab 54 includes a locking receptacle 56 of a
releasable locking device 58 with which the handgrip 46 is
connected with the holding cup 48. The locking receptacles 56 are
realized as round through holes, respectively. They are coaxial to
a pivot axis 60 of the grip device 44, which is indicated in FIGS.
8 to 11 and extends perpendicular to the axis 22 so as to cross it.
The handgrip 46 can be pivoted about the pivot axis 60 relative to
the holding cup 48.
At their sides facing each other, the holding tabs 54 each include
a guide groove 62 for corresponding locking noses 64 of the
handgrip 46. The guide grooves 62 extend in axial direction
relative to the axis 22, respectively. They are open at their
facing sides. The bottoms of the guide grooves 62 form bottom guide
surfaces, respectively. On their sides facing axially away from the
bottom of the cup section 52, the bottom guide surfaces of the
guide grooves 62 are slanted radially outwardly relative to the
axis 22. In this way, an installation of the locking noses 64 of
the handgrip 46 can be simplified. The locking receptacles 56 each
penetrate the bottoms of the guide grooves 62, i.e., the bottom
guide surfaces. The locking receptacles 56 are located within the
guide grooves 62, i.e., the bottom guide surfaces.
When assembling the locking device 58, the locking noses 64 can be
moved by the guide grooves 62 toward the corresponding locking
receptacles 56 and can lock therein.
On their exterior sides facing radially away, each locking tab 54
has a recess 66. The recesses 66 are open at their sides that are
facing away axially from the bottom of the cup section 52 relative
to the axis 22. For example, a tool can be inserted into the recess
66 in axial direction in order to push the locking noses 64
radially inwardly out of the locking recesses 56 so that the
handgrip 46 can be removed.
Moreover, the grip device 44 includes two spring-elastic fixation
hooks 68 which, at the inner side of the cup section 52, are
connected monolithically with its bottom. By means of the fixation
hooks 68, the handgrip 46 can be secured in its rest position. In
the rest position, the handgrip 46 is completely recessed within
the cup section 52. The fixation hooks 68 each extend axially away
from the bottom of the cup section 52. They are located within a
projection of the sides of the locking tabs 54 that are facing each
other in the vicinity of the circumferential side of the cup
section 52.
At their ends, the fixation hooks 68 each include a wedge-shaped
locking section 70. The locking sections 70 are facing the pivot
axis 60. By means of the locking sections 70, the fixation hooks 68
can hook behind a grip section 72 of the handgrip 46 in the rest
position. For hooking and releasing, the fixation hooks 68 can be
bent in a springy fashion away from the pivot axis 60,
respectively.
The handgrip 46 as a whole is approximately U-shaped. It includes
two parallel extending holding legs 74 which each are
monolithically joined with one end of the grip section 72. The grip
section 72 extends approximately parallel to the pivot axis 60. The
holding legs 74 extend approximately perpendicular to the grip
section 72. The grip section 72 and the holding legs 74 each are
provided with reinforcement ribs. The length of the holding legs 74
is dimensioned such that the grip section 72 projects out of the
holding cup 48 in the gripping position of the handgrip 46 and the
handgrip 46 fits into the cup section 52 in the rest position. The
length of the holding legs 74 plus the corresponding height
extension due to the holding tabs 54 is greater than an axial
height of the cup section 52. The length of the holding legs 74,
measured relative the pivot axis 60, is significantly smaller than
a radius of the cup section 52.
At the free ends, each holding leg 74 is provided with a locking
nose 64. The locking noses 64 each include an approximately
circular envelope which is coaxial to the pivot axis 60. The
diameter of the envelope corresponds to an inner diameter of the
locking receptacles 56 of the holding tab 54. The locking noses 64
each extend in axial direction relative to the pivot axis 60.
The outer sides of the locking noses 64, which relative to the
pivot axis 60 are positioned axially outwardly, form respective
guiding surfaces. Viewed from the ends of the holding legs 74
perpendicular to the pivot axis 60 toward the grip section 72, the
locking noses 64 increase in height in a wedge shape relative to
the pivot axis 60 in axial outward direction. Due to the slantedly
extending guiding surfaces of the locking noses 64, a guiding
action in the guide grooves 62 of the securing tabs 54 can be
improved.
The guiding surfaces each are formed by an approximately
disk-shaped material section of the locking noses 64 which is
joined by means of connecting webs monolithically with the
respective holding leg 74. The locking noses 64, in particular the
guiding surfaces, are elastically moveable as a whole axially
relative to the pivot axis 60, i.e., radially to the axis 22.
For producing the filter element 29, the filter bellows 28 is
manufactured from the filter material 30. The handgrip 46, the
holding cup 48, and the support tube 42 each are manufactured of
plastic material as separate component parts.
With its holding legs 74 leading, the handgrip 46 is inserted
between the securing tabs 54 of the holding cup 48. In this
context, the locking noses 64 are guided in the respective guide
grooves 62. During insertion, the locking noses 64, i.e., the
guiding surfaces, are elastically bent toward each other relative
to the pivot axis 60 in axial direction due to the corresponding
guiding grooves 62. As soon as the locking noses 64 have reached
the corresponding locking recesses 56, they lock therein. The
handgrip 46, instead of being pre-manufactured together with the
holding cup 48, can also be connected therewith at a later point in
time.
The support tube 42 is inserted into the element interior 32 of the
filter bellows 28. The grip device 44 is pushed, with its side
facing away from the handgrip 46 leading, onto an end face of the
filter bellows 28. In this context, the cup section 52 is inserted
somewhat into the end of the support tube 42 and clamped
therein.
Subsequently, polyurethane for realizing the cover-associated end
disk 36 is foamed onto the end face of the filter bellows 28. In
this context, the ribs of the fastening section 50 of the holding
cup 48 are embedded by foaming. Also, the outlet-associated end
disk 34 is correspondingly produced by foaming from polyurethane on
the end face of the filter bellows 28.
The outlet-associated end disk 34 can also be realized together
with the cover-associated end disk 36 or before it. It is also
possible to realize first the outlet-associated end disk 34 and to
subsequently mount the grip device 44 and embed it by foaming with
the cover-associated end disk 36.
For transport and handling of the finished filter element 20, the
handgrip 46, as shown in FIG. 6, can be pivoted into its gripping
position. The filter element 20 can thus be easily carried. For
storage or packaging, the handgrip 46 can be pivoted into its rest
position, shown in FIG. 7.
For installation into the open filter housing 12, the handgrip 46
is pivoted into its gripping position. The filter element 20 is
then inserted axially relative to the axis 22, with the
outlet-associated end disk 34 leading, through the installation
opening 18 into the housing cup 14.
Subsequently, the handgrip 46 is pivoted into its rest position as
is shown in FIG. 3. The fixation hooks 68 lock in this context
behind the grip section 72 of the handgrip 46 and secure it in the
rest position.
Subsequently, the housing cover 16 is mounted axially relative to
the axis 22 on the installation opening 18 of the housing cup 14
and secured by means of clamps.
In the installed state, the filter element 20 is supported by means
of the support sections 40 on the housing cover 16. The handgrip 46
is recessed in the cup section 52 and does not project therefore in
axial direction out of the filter element 20. In this embodiment,
the filter element 20 is not supported with the grip device 44 on
the housing cover 16. At the outlet side, the filter element 20 is
supported in axial direction by means of the sealing section 38 on
the bottom of the housing cup 14.
For exchanging the filter element 20, the housing cover 16 is
removed accordingly. The handgrip 46 is pivoted into its gripping
position. The filter element 20 can now be gripped by means of the
handgrip 46 and can be pulled axially out of the housing cup 14.
The exemplified filter element 20 can have, when laden with dirt, a
mass of up to 30 kg and more.
In operation of the internal combustion engine, the ambient air to
be purified flows through an air inlet line, not illustrated, and
the air inlet 26 into an annular inlet space of the filter housing
12 that surrounds the filter element 20. The air flows through the
filter medium 30 in radial direction from the exterior to the
interior and is purified. The purified air flows through the
circumferential wall of the support tube 42 into the element
interior 32. From the element interior 32, the purified air flows
through the coaxial opening of the outlet-associated end disk 34
into the air outlet 24 and exits therethrough from the air filter
10. The purified air is supplied by an air conduit, not illustrated
and connected with the air outlet 24, to the internal combustion
engine.
While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and
described in detail to illustrate the inventive principles, it will
be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without
departing from such principles.
* * * * *